An FDA warning was released by the agency after an infant formula tested positive for a cronobacter bacteria contamination.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned parents to avoid a certain infant formula after finding harmful bacteria inside the product.
This recent advisory from the agency follows the discovery of cronobacter in Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula, which can potentially be deadly for infants if consumed.
FDA Alerts Parents About Dangerous Infant Formula
The FDA issued an urgent alert and an infant formula recall on Friday concerning Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula.
This alert came after a sample collected from a Texas store tested positive for cronobacter, a bacteria that can cause severe and sometimes fatal infections in babies.
Cronobacter is known to lead to blood infections, meningitis, and nervous system damage in infants. It naturally occurs in the environment and can contaminate infant formula after the packaging is opened.
The issue of cronobacter contamination is not new. In 2022, a major U.S. formula factory was linked to cronobacter infections, leading to recalls and significant formula shortages. The latest alert underscores the ongoing risk and the need for rigorous safety checks in the production and distribution of infant formula.
Infant Formula Recall and FDA Response
The Crecelac formula, imported and distributed by Dairy Manufacturers Inc. of Prosper, Texas, has been voluntarily recalled by the company.
Alongside Crecelac, the company also recalled another brand, Farmalac, due to the lack of FDA approval for sale in the U.S. While testing of Farmalac did not detect cronobacter, the FDA advises parents and caregivers to avoid using both products as a precaution.
The FDA mandates that infant formula distributors submit comprehensive data demonstrating their products meet U.S. food and nutritional standards.
Dairy Manufacturers Inc. did not meet these requirements for Crecelac and Farmalac, leading to the voluntary recall. Despite repeated attempts, the company has not provided additional information on the production location or distribution scope of the affected products.
Past Contaminations and Industry Impact
The recent discovery of cronobacter in Crecelac formula brings back memories of the 2022 contamination at the Abbott formula plant in Sturgis, Michigan. The plant's closure, prompted by the detection of widespread cronobacter contamination, resulted in a national formula shortage.
This incident led the FDA to permit the importation of infant formula from international producers, a significant shift from the previous restriction to a few domestic manufacturers.
As parents and caregivers navigate these warnings and recalls, the FDA emphasizes the importance of using only FDA-approved infant formulas. The agency continues to monitor the situation and urges parents to report any adverse reactions or concerns about infant formula products.
The detection of dangerous bacteria in Crecelac Infant Powdered Goat Milk Infant Formula highlights the critical need for stringent safety standards in the production and distribution of infant formula.
The FDA's proactive alert and the subsequent voluntary recalls by Dairy Manufacturers Inc. are steps toward ensuring the safety and well-being of infants nationwide.
Parents and caregivers are urged to stay informed and cautious, using only FDA-approved products to protect their children from potential health risks.
